BY AUVSI NEWS
A Chicago-based start-up called Valqari says that its patented Smart Drone Delivery Mailbox solves the last inch logistic problems associated with drone delivery.
Described as a “universal drone receptacle for package delivery and pick-up,” the smart mailbox is equipped with agnostic capabilities to ensure seamless integration and communication with any UAS manufacturer during a fully-automated delivery process.
Valqari says that with its smart mailbox, it can “revolutionize drone deliveries” for a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, meal delivery and grocery services, governments and residential e-commerce.
“We knew the biggest hurdle facing drone delivery was that there was no standardized, safe and secure landing area,” says Valqari’s CEO and co-founder Ryan Walsh.
“This gave us a clear vision from the start that our mission would be to provide the missing piece to the last stage drone delivery process.”
Walsh and fellow Valqari co-founder Alexander Falesch realized back in 2013 that UAS deliveries were going to be a reality sooner than later, so they spent several years conducting research and tests until they created a secure and practical answer for the final few inches of delivery. The Smart Drone Mailbox concept became a reality in 2017, the same year that Valqari was officially founded.
With Valqari’s smart mailbox, drone delivery providers have a safe landing area that uses two-way communication technology to eliminate risks related with total automated drone delivery, providing prospective partners with a “complete end-to-end delivery solution,” while offering future users reduced shipping costs, increased market penetration, reduced liabilities and a secure chain of custody.